Expect electric vehicles and labour shortages in coming decade, say trucking industry executives

In a survey of 36 senior trucking industry executives, whose companies combined comprise over 39,000 trucks and 40,000 employees, fossil fuel reduction and concerns about labour shortages topped the list of anticipated changes in the coming 10 years.

Most executives interviewed agreed that electric trucks will increase in popularity for shorter routes, with technological advancements still needed for the same changes to happen in long haul deliveries. Pressure to reduce fuel emissions has already resulted in collaboration between the Canadian Trucking Alliance and the government to push technological progress forward.

There are currently 23,000 truck driving job vacancies in Canada, and that number is expected to more than double by 2024. Many executives expect this trend to continue if not addressed, as many current truckers are expected to retire in the coming years.

Source:
1. Trucking Industry Leaders Predict Top Two Changes Over the Next 10 Years, Canadian Trucking Alliance, June 8, 2022. Accessed June 20, 2022.